Yeah, as soon as Lucas purchased the vehicle, he would have had to register it almost immediately, and if he planned on driving it, insure it. It sounds like it was likely auctioned off cheap because they didn't have the right paperwork for it and thus it couldn't be properly transferred - that's my theory.
Or, Lucas did as many BC residents do, and registered it himself in Alberta. Easy enough to do if you have a PO box there, or have friends or family. Foolish? Yes, because realistically you don't have valid insurance. But something a lot of people do.
I don't think we have any actual confirmation on the status of the vehicle registration and ownership, besides what we think we've heard or read, unless I'm mistaken.